Game 28: Pacers (18-8) vs. Lakers (24-3)
The Lakers came into this game riding a 14 game winning streak on the road, and that only road loss was at the Staples Center. It was their first game of the year against the Clippers where the Lakers were technically the road team. This game was close the entire time. No quarter was won by more than 4 points. Anthony Davis sat out this game for the Lakers, but Dwight Howard came in and looked like the Dwight Howard of old. He was 10-10 from the floor and scored 20 points. The Pacers held LeBron James to just 8-20 shooting and would go on to beat the best of the west by a score of 105-102.
FINAL: Pacers: 105 Lakers: 102
Game 29: Pacers (19-9) vs. Kings (12-15)
It wouldn’t be surprising for the Pacers to have a letdown in this one coming off a thriller against the Lakers in their previous game, but the Pacers wouldn’t be stopped. The first quarter was close, but dominant 2nd and 3rd quarters by the Pacers would separate the two teams. The Pacers win this one by a score of 119-105 for their 5th straight win. Sabonis would end his double-double streak falling just a rebound short, but the Pacers would have 7 guys finish in double figures. The Pacers also a had a different leading scorer in every quarter, which is something you don’t see often in the NBA.
FINAL: Pacers: 119 Kings: 105
Game 30: (20-9) at Bucks (26-4)
This was a tough week for the Pacers as they played the best two teams in the league in the same week. The Pacers entered this game just barely over .500 on the road with a record of 7-6. Milwaukee ran away with the game last time these two played. The Pacers started the game off with a 10-0 run early, but the Bucks would pull back quickly. The team were only separated by 4 at halftime with the Bucks having the slight edge. Milwaukee’s defense took over in the 2nd half, only allowing 34 points from the Pacers. The Bucks would go on to win this one big, 117-89. Former Pacer Wesley Matthews led the Bucks in scoring with 19. Sabonis also had 19 for the Pacers and grabbed 18 rebounds as well.
FINAL: Pacers: 89 Bucks: 117
Coming up this week for the Pacers:
Monday December 23rd – vs Toronto
Friday December 27th – at Miami
Saturday December 28th – at New Orleans